CPAP
Uses air pressure through a mask to keep the airway open during sleep.
- Often provides stronger control of breathing events.
- Mask fit, comfort, and consistent use matter.
- Your medical team manages pressure and treatment changes.
A small appliance.
Another option.
Explore a different approach to sleep apnea treatment.
A custom oral appliance is worn during sleep to help keep your airway open. No mask, tubing, or motor.
Talk with our teamPersonalized care in Raleigh, North Carolina.
Custom oral appliancesMedical insurance guidanceCare led by Dr. Ashley DeSaix
Your next step.
A conversation.
Ask about oral appliance therapy, insurance, or preparing for a consultation. Our Raleigh team will help you understand where to begin.
This is a consultation request, not a confirmed appointment. Our team will follow up about visit type and scheduling.
Prefer to call? 919-307-8960Monday–Thursday, 9 am–3 pm
Friday by appointment
Talk with our team
Use our contact form to get started.
Having trouble? Open the contact form.
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When CPAP is difficult,
start with your options.
Mask discomfort, dryness, leaks, or difficulty using CPAP consistently are worth discussing with your care team.
Sometimes changes to your existing treatment help. For some patients, a custom oral appliance may be an option. Others may benefit from combined treatment.
Your diagnosis, sleep apnea severity, teeth, jaw, and health history all matter. Keep using prescribed treatment until you and your medical provider agree on a plan.
See what changes
while you sleep.
An oral appliance supports the lower jaw forward. This can bring the tongue and connected tissues forward to help keep the airway open.
Explore the principle
With an appliance: supporting the lower jaw forward can help reduce airway collapse during sleep.
respairsleep.com
Adjustment is individual. Moving the jaw farther forward is not always better.
Different tools.
The same treatment goal.
The right choice is the one that fits your clinical needs and is verified to work for you.
Custom oral appliance
Supports your lower jaw forward while you sleep.
- No mask, tubing, or motor.
- Requires a suitable dental and jaw evaluation.
- Can cause jaw discomfort or changes to your bite.
- Follow-up testing checks how well it controls your sleep apnea.
An appliance is not right for everyone and is not a guaranteed replacement for CPAP. In some cases, both can work together.
Let’s talk about
medical insurance.
Our team checks participation and benefits for your specific plan and helps explain the next steps.
In-network with many major medical plans
Blue Cross Blue ShieldAetnaCignaUnitedHealthcare
We also work with other plans and benefits, including Medicare. Network participation, coverage, authorization requirements, and out-of-pocket costs vary by plan.
See insurance and cost details →Benefits verification is not a guarantee of coverage or payment.
A focused practice.
A personal approach.
Ashley S. DeSaix, DDS, MPH, D-ABDSM
Dr. DeSaix founded RespAir Sleep to give patients more options for better sleep and healthier breathing.
Diplomate, American Board of Dental Sleep Medicine
Diplomate, American Sleep and Breathing Academy
A clear path.
A team beside you.
Start with a conversation
Share your questions. Our team explains records, insurance, and scheduling.
Review your options
Your diagnosis and dental evaluation help determine whether an appliance fits your needs.
Fit, adjust, and follow up
Care continues with fitting, adjustments, and testing to evaluate your treatment response.
Good questions.
Clear next steps.
Is this the same as an over-the-counter mouthguard?
No. A custom sleep apnea appliance is fitted and adjusted as part of a treatment plan. A general mouthguard is not a substitute for prescribed sleep apnea treatment.
Do I need a sleep study first?
Oral appliance treatment for obstructive sleep apnea requires a physician’s diagnosis and prescription, followed by a dental evaluation. If you already have a study, our team can explain how to share it securely. If not, we can help you understand the next step.
Can I stop using my CPAP?
Do not stop prescribed therapy without speaking with your medical provider. Your team will discuss a treatment plan and how to check whether it is working.
Will my insurance cover it?
Coverage depends on your specific plan, clinical criteria, benefits, and authorization requirements. Our team can help check these details. Verification does not guarantee payment.
What about comfort or side effects?
Jaw or tooth discomfort, saliva changes, and bite changes can occur. Fitting, careful adjustment, and ongoing follow-up are important parts of care.
Can I have a virtual consultation?
RespAir Sleep offers virtual and in-person consultations. Our team can help determine which type of visit is appropriate and what requires an in-person evaluation.
Explore another option.
Start right here.
Talk with our Raleigh team about oral appliance therapy and your next step.
Talk with our team4325 Lake Boone Trail, Suite 214 · Raleigh, NC 27607